News Releases

In the fall of 2024, Saskatoon will take part in a coordinated effort to measure homelessness across Canada.

The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), the Reaching Home Community Entity in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the Community-University Institute for Social Research (CUISR) from the University of Saskatchewan, community organizations and volunteers will participate in the fourth nationally coordinated Point-in-Time (PiT) Homeless Count in Canada.

From October 1^st to November 30^th, 2024, individuals experiencing homelessness will be counted in 58 communities across the country. The coordinated effort will help to create a picture of homelessness in communities across Canada.

A Point-in-Time Count, or PiT Count as it is commonly described, is a measure of the number of people experiencing homelessness in a community, counted on a specific day and during a specified period of time. It is meant to be a “snapshot,” painting a picture of what homelessness looks like in that particular time and place. It will indicate the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness in our community.

During a specified period of time over the course of one day, trained volunteers will enumerate and survey individuals staying in shelters, short-term or transitional housing, public systems (detox), those sleeping rough (in unsheltered spaces) and survey hidden homelessness (living temporarily with others or accessing temporary accommodations).

Our PiT Count will improve our understanding of the needs and circumstances of the people affected by homelessness in our community. The survey will provide key data on gender, age, ethnicity and more, to help continue the conversation about homelessness in our community.

The PiT Count will inform crucial interventions and highlight the need for increased investment and coordination between all orders of government, including non-profit and private sectors.

Results from the 2024 PiT Count will be made publicly available and will be used to improve our response to homelessness. In the future, successive counts will assist in measuring progress towards our ultimate goal: ending homelessness in Saskatoon.

The Saskatoon PiT Count is receiving support from the Government of Canada through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.

For more information, visit:

• Everyone Counts – The Nationally Coordinated Point-in-Time Counts of Homelessness in Canada
• Homelessness Learning Hub: Point-in-Time Counts
• CUISR 2022 Saskatoon Point-in-Time Homelessness Count

Further details will be made available in the near future.

Quotes

“The federal government recognizes the importance of reducing and preventing homelessness across the country. To address these issues, we must first understand their scope, which is why the PiT count is so vital. We’re working with partners to enhance resources and help address the issues facing people experiencing homelessness.” – The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation’ (Henry David Thoreau). The number of people on the street is growing and they all have their stories of how and why they are homeless, and every story is legitimate. Homelessness is fast becoming a societal crisis, that has enormous cost in services and human suffering. We need to find creative solutions, looking up from their vantage point to provide in many cases, families, friends, and neighbors opportunities to change their circumstance and we need to embed prevention into the work that we do.” – J Robert LaFontaine, Executive Director Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership

"The dynamics of homelessness have been rapidly changing in our community, with more and more people surviving in desperate conditions on our streets each month. The PiT count is a very important exercise in understanding the human stories behind the headlines, and to understand the factors that are driving this crisis. I'm very grateful to all of the organizers, partners, and volunteers for making sure Saskatoon is part of this national count once again this year." – Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon

The province-wide pruning ban for elm trees ends Sunday, September 1. The pruning ban is in place each year from April 1 to August 31 to ensure that elm bark beetles, which transmit Dutch elm disease (DED), are not attracted to freshly pruned trees when the beetles are most active.  

Provincial regulations also prohibit the storing, transport and use of elm wood for any purpose. This includes firewood, wood chips, wood slabs and branches. The only permitted movement of elm wood is to the City’s designated disposal site at the City Landfill.   

Elm trees make up about 25% of Saskatoon's urban forest. This summer, the City confirmed a case of DED in the Varsity View area. As part of the City's DED Response Plan, the infected tree was immediately removed and disposed of at the City Landfill. The City will continue surveillance and testing of public and private elm trees in the surrounding areas with an intensive search for elm material and other sources of infection.  

You can help prevent Dutch elm disease by:  

1. Never storing elm wood or branches. Don’t buy or take elm wood from anyone and don’t burn it. 

2. Not pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31) 

3. Disposing of elm wood at the Saskatoon Landfill. Do not take elm to the compost depot or put it in your green bin. Dispose of it immediately, even if it is during the provincial ban! Residents are now able to dispose of elm wood at the Landfill at no cost (for loads up to 1,000kg) through to the end of the year. 

How to identify and report unhealthy elm trees 

American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow out of season from June to mid-August, then curl and turn brown. Anyone suspecting that an elm tree is unhealthy is encouraged to complete the online form at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890. 

By following the provincial regulations and maintaining elm trees on your private property, all residents can help prevent the spread of DED in Saskatoon.  

For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease  

 Broadway Avenue will be closed between Hilliard and Adelaide streets starting this morning for unplanned water main repairs. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.                         

Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.                                

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction. 

20th Street will be closed between Avenues P and O on Saturday, August 31, starting at 9:00 a.m. for the Overdose Awareness Day event. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the event. Roadways are expected to reopen after 4:00 p.m., weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

The City of Saskatoon has released its 2023 Annual Report to the public having received the opinion of the external auditor. Per The Cities Act, the 2023 Audited Financial Statements and Financial Reports were presented to City Council for information on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The Annual Report contains the year-end consolidated financial statements and is the legally required public report on the City's finances.

“The 2023 Annual Report highlights the City’s progress on major projects and initiatives across our 13 Business Lines, our achievements and ongoing priorities as set out in the Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget, and the City's financial position at the end of 2023,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. 

Financial highlights from 2023 show the City had:

• consolidated operating revenues of $1.13 billion and operating expenses of $988.6 million resulting in a net surplus of $146.1 million.
• a strengthened accumulated surplus from $5.0 billion to $5.2 billion, an increase of 2.9% over 2022’s figures.
• an 8.2% increase in overall Reserves from $278.2 million to $301.1 million.
• a year-end surplus for tax-based operations before the transfer to the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve of $4.2 million, the same operating surplus that was reported to City Council at its meeting on March 27, 2024.

Award-winning financial reporting and top tier credit status

For the 16^th consecutive year, the City of Saskatoon received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for its 2022 Annual Report. The 2023 Annual Report will again be submitted to the GFOA for consideration for this year's award.

In 2024, S&P Global Ratings (S&P) reaffirmed the City of Saskatoon’s credit rating with the highest rating possible, a ‘AAA’ credit rating with a “Stable” outlook. The City has maintained the ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating for 22 years since S&P first began affirming the City’s credit rating in 2002.

The City of Saskatoon is committed to delivering strong financial performance, keeping our debt load manageable, full transparency, and accountability in delivering core civic services and amenities for all residents who call Saskatoon home.

The 2023 Annual Report reflects the City’s ongoing dedication to continuous improvement, accountability to the public we serve, transparency and clarity in financial reporting.  

Visit saskatoon.ca/finance to view the 2023 Annual Report.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

CUMBERLAND AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM 12TH ST E TO 13TH ST E
(Connection replacement)
Start: August 30, 8:00 a.m. End: August 30, 4:30 p.m.

RUTH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM IRVINE AVE TO BLAIN AVE
(Connection replacement)
Start: August 30, 8:00 a.m. End: August 30, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR W NB & SB MEDIAN LANES MOBILE CLOSURE FROM AIRPORT DR TO 33RD ST W
(Mowing)
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: August 30, 3:00 p.m.

DIEFENBAKER DR SB LANES CLOSED FROM MOWAT CRES TO CENTENNIAL DR
(Roadway patching)
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: August 30, 3:00 p.m.

AVE H N NB LANES CLOSED FROM BEDFORD RD TO RUSHOLME RD
(Roadway patching)
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: August 30, 3:00 p.m.

TRAFFIC BRIDGE ROAD CLOSED FROM 19TH ST E TO 11TH ST E
(Nutrien Fireworks Festival)
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: September 1, 1:00 p.m.
 
NIGHT WORK

BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 20TH ST E TO 12TH ST E
(Nutrien Fireworks Festival)
Closure occurs nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Start: August 30, 5:00 p.m. End: August 31, 1:00 a.m.

ONGOING

KENSINGTON GATE INTERSECTION CLOSED AT NEAULT RD
(Construction)
Start: May 2, 9:00 a.m. End: August 31, 4:00 p.m.

AVE P N NB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO 23RD ST W
(Sidewalk work)
Start: August 26, 8:00 a.m. End: August 31, 5:00 p.m.

SPADINA CRES E ROAD CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE S TO 20TH ST E
(Nutrien Fireworks Festival)
Start: August 29, 5:00 p.m. End: September 2, 12:00 p.m.

20TH ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT AVE E S
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 3, 4:30 p.m.

MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT PORTAGE AVE
(Construction)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: September 5, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD WEST SIDE OF ROUND-A-BOUT CLOSED AT TASKAMANWA ST
(Service install)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: September 6, 5:00 p.m.

FAITHFULL AVE INTERSECTION CLOSED AT 44TH ST E
(Pipe installation)
Start: August 3, 7:00 a.m. End: September 6, 6:00 p.m.

7TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM OSBORNE ST TO WINDSOR ST
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 8, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM FEHEREGYHAZI BLVD TO HENRY DAYDAY RD
(Streetscaping)
Start: August 21, 7:00 a.m. End: September 10, 4:30 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB LANES CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE N TO WIGGINS AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 19, 7:00 a.m. End: September 16, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road construction)
No access to Zimmerman Rd from 8th St
Start: June 10, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Ruth Street will be closed between Irvine and Blain avenues on Friday, August 30, starting at 8:00 a.m. for a connection replacement. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Starting Tuesday, September 3, 2024, crews will begin pruning trees on civic property in Meadowgreen and Sutherland as part of the City's Boulevard Tree Maintenance Program. Tree maintenance operations in these two neighbourhoods will continue until December 15, 2024. 

The Boulevard Tree Maintenance Program follows a regular pruning cycle to help preserve the health of the City's tree inventory, eliminate hazards and provide clearance from buildings, signs, streetlights and utility wires. 

Tree maintenance often requires road restrictions. The City reminds pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to ensure safety is a priority by respecting the work zone and obeying all road restrictions and signage. 

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/treemaintenance. 

Public Skating will open for the season on Tuesday, September 3. It will be available at ACT Arena (107 105 Street) on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Parent & Tot skating will begin Thursday, September 5 and runs at ACT Arena on Mondays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Lions, Cosmo and Archibald Arenas will open for public and parent & tot skating the week of October 1, 2024.  Visit saskatoon.ca/leisureonline for drop-in schedules.

2024-2025 admission rates are as follows: 

• Adult (19 and over) - $6.50
• Youth (6 to 18) - $4.50
• Preschool (5 and under) - Free
• Family - $13.00
• Parent & Tot – Free

LeisureCards, which provide unlimited access to the six Leisure Centres, Terry Fox Track and four outdoor pools are also accepted as a payment option at the indoor rinks. Cash and Leisure gift cards are also accepted at the rinks.

Children, 6 years of age and younger, must be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years of age or older.  A maximum of two preschoolers per adult is allowed.

Visit saskatoon.ca/indoorrinks for more information, including ice rental opportunities.  

Cumberland Avenue will be closed between 12th and 13th streets on Friday, August 30 starting at 8:00 a.m. for a connection replacement. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.                          

Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.                              

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.